The Alberta Teachers’ Association

Gordon Thomas

Question: Our school district has no dress code policy. Do I, as principal, have the authority to dictate the type of clothes teachers can wear to school?

Answer: This is an area fraught with danger as mores and standards vary, and what you find desirable may be more than you can enforce. Case law is all over the map on dress code issues. Some clothing may clearly offend not only your standards but also those of the community because the school is providing direct service to children and young people. Such clothing could include low-cut blouses, sleeveless shirts, short or low-cut shorts and any apparel that exposes large quantities of skin between the knees and the shoulders. A blanket ban on denim, shorts, running shoes or other items of clothing is likely to be unenforceable and to create morale problems that make it more trouble than it is worth. There are many factors that must be considered in determining what is appropriate wear, including factors as diverse as the teacher’s assignment, room temperatures and the particular activities the teacher may be involved in on any given day. If a specific situation troubles you, contact a staff officer in Member Services for confidential discussion and assistance.